Pau Cubarsi moves ahead of Faye as a Barca first team back-up option

FC Barcelona has published the complete list of registered players for the 2023-2024 Champions League, including the presence of Pau Cubarsí. The extremely young 16-year-old centre-back confirmed himself as a real alternative for Xavi in the centre of the first team's defence.

Cubarsí, who has already been included in Xavi's squad in recent matches, is featured in a registered players list that does not include Mika Faye. The Senegalese centre-back was another candidate to occupy the role of the fifth central defender following Eric Garcia's departure. Faye was part of the first-team preseason and made his league debut with Barça Atlètic on Sunday once his bureaucratic issues were resolved.

Xavi has decided to maintain confidence in Pau Cubarsí, La Masia's great central defender project, and a player whom the coach sees as very mature despite his age. Coaches especially highlight his innate talent for defending. Xavi has been impressed by Cubarsí's physical qualities and has had him involved with the first team in recent weeks.

On the other hand, Mika Faye made an impact on Xavi during the preseason and in his first match with Barça Atlètic, he already made it clear that he will be a key player for the B team this season. The Senegalese demonstrated that he is physically at a different level and also has a good foot for long-range passes.

Xavi will have four centre-backs (Araujo, Koundé, Christensen, and Iñigo Martínez) for the Champions League, competing for two spots in the starting lineup and the asterisk of Marcos Alonso.

Without Eric Garcia, the former Chelsea player serves as an alternative for the centre of defence in case of injury problems. But Xavi primarily wants him to provide rest for Balde, with Cubarsí being